DeLauro Statement on 59th Anniversary of Equal Pay Act

Statement

"Almost sixty years ago, President John F. Kennedy signed the Equal Pay Act. This legislation enshrined into federal law the principle of "equal pay for equal work'. While we celebrate this historic moment in the fight for equal pay, we understand that much more work must be done to truly realize that principle.

"Women still receive 83 cents for every dollar made by their male colleagues -- and that gap is even wider for women of color. That is why, since 1997, I have been fighting for solutions to ensure women receive equal compensation for the work they do.

"I am proud that the House has passed my Paycheck Fairness Act four times. This bipartisan legislation would strengthen and modernize the Equal Pay Act -- giving American women the opportunity to fight wage discrimination and receive the paycheck they rightfully deserve. But four times of passage in the House is three too many; we must make this legislation law. I am disappointed on the Senate's continued failure to advance the Paycheck Fairness Act, as Senate Republicans have time and time again failed to listen to the desire of their constituents and grant women this basic right: equal pay for equal work.

"It is time to make clear that the work that women do in our society today is valued and respected, and we can most successfully do this by ensuring they get their rightful pay. I swear I will remain committed to righting this inequity and ensuring that the talent and contributions of women in the workforce are properly reflected in their compensation."

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